It's official so I can finally share the big news I have been DYING to tell you 'all!

The Bad News: I won't be attending Costume College this year after all. So if you know anyone who needs a membership or a gala ticket I'd love to sell them mine! (memberships can be transferred until June 24th)

I'm incredibly bummed out about not seeing my far-flung costuming friends, lounging in Roman dress with you guys and missing the first ever making bobbin-lace class I've seen offered at Costume College (razenfrazen!) but I'm really excited about the reason I can't go...

It's something I've thought about doing for YEARS but my fears and doubts always held me back. As I've been doing a lot of deep soul searching over the past few months, I finally found the faith and the courage I needed to follow this path. It's time to stop standing on the sidelines cheering on friends as they take risks and follow their dreams; it's time I followed their example. Things have fallen into place every step along the way so far and I feel an incredible peace and surety that this is what I'm supposed to do.

I start school on June 18th. It's an intense 11 month program, Tuesday-Saturday, so there are lots of costume events this year that I simply won't be able to do and I don't know how many sewing projects I'll have time for. But it's only a year and my new mantra is short term pain for long term gain!

That is wonderful news! As someone who recently decided to do the same (I am now in nursing school), I can tell you that it feels great to finally follow a path you have wanted to walk for so long. A lot of hard work is ahead of you but it will be so worth it. Go you!

WOO-HOOOOOO! That is so exciting! Congratulations on the big leap. I know you are ready for the challenge. I can't think of a better cosmetologist than you--you will make your clients feel so comfortable and at home. It's like a mini-hostessing party every time. ;) So sorry to miss you at CoCo, but you can dye/cut/up-do my hair any time!

Awww... thank you so much! I never thought about it like that before but you are right, it is like a mini hostessing event. I LOVE that!

I have to tell you that you were one of the people that inspired me to go for this - watching you follow your dreams and make painful (albeit short term) sacrifices for them lately has been incredibly inspiring. Your example helped me find my courage, thank you.